"We will continue to build programs that support early childhood education, family development, and opportunities for all. Nandito po kami para sa inyo, hindi lang ngayon, kundi sa bawat hakbang ng inyong paglalakbay."
That was the solemn promise of Mika Mercado, wife of San Pedro City, Laguna Mayor Art Mercado, on behalf of the city government at the 51st Moving Up Ceremony of the city’s day care students held last April 2.
The event, held at the Pacita Astrodome with the theme “Munting Hakbang Tungo sa Maunlad na Kinabukasan,” saw the graduation of its students under the city’s Day Care Service Program.
In her speech during the event, Mercado thanked the staff and teachers of the city’s day care centers for providing not only education but also care and support for their charges.
“You are the first mentors who have helped shape the hearts and minds of these young children. Hindi po biro ang inyong trabaho, and yet you give your all with so much love, patience, and care. Your role is vital in the foundation of a child’s learning journey, and today, we celebrate you as well,” she said.
Mercado also underscored the sacrifices and hardships of parents to raise their children and bring them up to become responsible citizens.
“Alam naming hindi madali ang magtaguyod ng pamilya, lalo na sa panahong ito. You wake up early, prepare your child, bring them to Day Care, and still manage everything at home or at work. That takes strength, and today, we honor that strength. Saludo po kami sa inyo.”
On behalf of the city government, the city mayor’s spouse once again pledged to continue the programs in support of the city’s schoolchildren under the Mercado administration.
It should be recalled that supporting education at every level has been one of the top priorities of the Mercado administration since Mayor Art took over as city mayor in 2022.
Aside from the much-vaunted free school uniforms and school supplies for all students in the city, Mercado had also expanded the scholarship grants under the city government’s Iskolar ng Lungsod ng San Pedro (ILSP) program, as well as continued support for the city's public schools.
"Ang pangarap po ng bawat pamilya sa San Pedro ay pangarap rin po ng aming pamilya. We will continue to build programs that support early childhood education, family development, and opportunities for all. Nandito po kami para sa inyo, hindi lang ngayon, kundi sa bawat hakbang ng inyong paglalakbay," Mika stressed.
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